Castles and Wines of Portugal
Guided
Tour description
The castles and wine tour will live up to its name.
Most nights will be passed either in a castle or an old convent, now beautiful charming hotels.
Along the way the great ancient city of Évora, world heritage site, and small fortified hamlets will tell the stories of wars with moors and Spain. The border is right there on the other side of the biggest artificial lake in Europe.
The loveable Alentejo people, at first shy, the Mediterranean typical gastronomy along with the wonders of cork, marble, olive oil and other crafts will enrich your experience. And the wine… well come and judge for yourself…
All this in safe backroads with some easy bits off the asphalt riding, with us by your side.
*Note: It is not recommended to travel in July or August due to extreme heat.
Daily program
Day 1: Arrival to Arraiolos
You should plan to arrive early so that you can transfer to Arraiolos and still have time to explore the town. At 6:00pm there will be a welcome drink and first briefing.
Overnight in Arraiolos.
Day 2: Arraiolos – Évora (26 miles/42 km to Evora; or 22 miles/35 km to farmhouse)
We start the day cycling through to the Arraiolos village, with its rich historical center, the famous carpets and the delicious Pastéis de Toucinho. We climb to the castle to conquer unforgettable views from one of the only round castles of the peninsula.
Riding through secondary undulating roads we reach the cheese farm, where they also produce local liqueurs. A really tasty stop! It's now time to visit a winery where there is a fantastic carriage private collection. We will have our lunch here.
Riding through some small farms we will reach the Aldeia da Terra, a gigantic cartoon made of clay instead of paper. Curious? We reach our final destination, Évora, riding in the ecotrail, a green lane built on top of an old railway, traffic free.
Overnight in Évora or at a farmhouse 7 km from Évora.
Day 3: Megalithic Route – cycling around Évora (28 miles/45 km)
If you are intrigued by the evolution of our kind, puzzled by the enormity of some Neolithic constructions or wondered about the magical meaning of some pre-historical sites, then this day is for you. The biggest dolmen and one of the most important cromeleques in Europe with over 5000 years of history are waiting for you.
The ride finishes in Évora, where you will have the chance to wonder around and get immersed in this ancient Roman settlement. One of the highlights will be the visit to the surreal XIII century bone's chapel.
Overnight in Evora or at a farmhouse 7 km from Evora.
Day 4: The Valley of the Degebe River – cycling Évora to Reguengos de Monsaraz (31 mils/50 km to Evora; 35 miles/57 km if you stay in farmhouse)
Leaving Évora toward the rising sun a more baren landscape will keep us company. We ride between olive groves to reach the small and traditional village of Nossa Srª de Machede.
After a pause for a cold drink or coffee a visit to an old working leather factory. After lunch the mysterious castle of Valongo will provide shade while it unveils its Roman past. A calm ride through easy backroads sets the tone to the day's final destination. Before dinner a visit to a local distinct winery where the scent of the brewing clay pots fills the air with the ancient knowledge that makes great wine.
Overnight in Reguengos de Monsaraz.
Day 5: Conquest of the Castle of Monsaraz – cycling from Reguengos to Monsaraz (22 miles/35 km)
Today's destination is the fortified village of Monsaraz, an important stronghold in the defense of our nation just by the border with Spain. On the way we will visit the famous pottery village of S. Pedro do Corval, where you can see the men making magic with the clay, transforming it into beautiful pots and plates, and the ladies painting them with flowers in an impressive speed.
Then with Spain in sight lunch by the biggest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva dam reservoir. Then it's time to conquer the castle, use all your energy to climb up to Monsaraz before going down to the relaxing country hotel to cool off and dine.
Overnight in Monsaraz.
Day 6: The Sanctuary Route – cycling from Monsaraz to Vila Viçosa (31 miles/50 km)
The day's ride will lead to the marble capital of Portugal and one of the biggest in Europe. The marble triangle will mark the landscape for the next cycling days. The so-called white gold is the main economic driver of the region. Its richness is a constant presence in the wide streets and tall buildings. The picnic lunch and the visit to an impressive fortified sanctuary with an interesting tale will close the morning. Then a rare sight over distinct colored lagoons finishing with accommodation in an aristocratic convent.
Overnight in Vila Viçosa.
Day 7: The Marble Route – cycling from Vila Viçosa to Estremoz (22 miles/35 km)
Today the ride is soft so take this opportunity to taste some local delicacies: Petiscos.
From tavern to tavern the ride will delight your senses. The rest of the day will be spent in contemplation and admiration until the doors of Estremoz, the final destination of the journey. Dinner and closing celebrations with some surprises will be held in an old 15th-century jailhouse - only for the nobles!!! And the journey will not be over until you climb up to the marble Donjon tower of the castle where you will sleep!
Overnight in Estremoz.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, depart individually to your connecting travels.
Daily program
Day 1: Arrival to Arraiolos
You should plan to arrive early so that you can transfer to Arraiolos and still have time to explore the town.
Overnight in Arraiolos.
Day 2: Arraiolos – Évora (26 miles/42 km to Evora; or 22 miles/35 km to farmhouse)
We start the day cycling through to the Arraiolos village, with its rich historical center, the famous carpets and the delicious Pastéis de Toucinho. We climb to the castle to conquer unforgettable views from one of the only round castles of the peninsula.
Riding through secondary undulating roads we reach the cheese farm, where they also produce local liqueurs. A really tasty stop! It’s now time to visit a winery where there is a fantactic carriage private collection (wine and cheese tasting not included).
Riding through some small farms we will reach the Aldeia da Terra, a gigantic cartoon made of clay instead of paper. Curious? We reach our final destination, Évora, riding in the ecotrail, a green lane built on top of an old railway, traffic free.
Overnight in Évora or at a farmhouse 7 km from Evora.
Day 3: Megalithic Route – cycling around Évora (28 miles/45 km)
If you are intrigued by the evolution of our kind, puzzled by the enormity of some Neolithic constructions or wondered about the magical meaning of some pre historical sites, than this day is for you. The biggest dolmen and one of the most important cromeleques in Europe with over 5000 years of history are waiting for you.
The ride finishes in Évora, where you will have the chance to wonder around and get immersed in this ancient roman settlement. One of the highlights will be the visit to the surreal XIII century bone's chapel (entrance fee not included).
Overnight in Évora or at a farmhouse 7 km from Évora.
Day 4: The Valley of the Degebe River – cycling Évora to Reguengos de Monsaraz (31 miles/50 km from Evora; 35 miles/57 km if staying in farmhouse)
Leaving Évora toward the rising sun a more baren landscape will keep us company. We ride between olive groves to reach the small and traditional village of Nossa Srª de Machede.
After a pause for a cold drink or coffee a visit to an old working leather factory. Later, the mysterious castle of Valongo will provide shade while it unveils its roman past. A calm ride through easy backroads sets the tone to the day's final destination. Visit a local distinct winery where the scent of the brewing clay pots fills the air with the ancient knowledge that makes great wine.
Overnight in Reguengos de Monsaraz.
Day 5: Conquest of the Castle of Monsaraz – cycling from Reguengos to Monsaraz (22 miles/35 km)
Today's destination is the fortified village of Monsaraz, an important stronghold in the defense of our nation just by the border with Spain. On the way we will visit the famous pottery village of S. Pedro do Corval, where you can see the men making magic with the clay, transforming it into beautiful pots and plates, and the ladies painting them with flowers in an impressive speed.
Then with Spain in sight, you may lunch by the biggest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva dam reservoir. Then it's time to conquer the castle, use all your energy to climb up to Monsaraz before going down to the relaxing country hotel to cool off and enjoy your evening.
Overnight in Monsaraz.
Day 6: The Sanctuary Route – cycling from Monsaraz to Vila Viçosa (31 miles/50 km)
The day's ride will lead to the marble capital of Portugal and one of the biggest in Europe. The marble triangle will mark the landscape for the next cycling days. The so called white gold is the main economy driver of the region. Its richness is a constant presence in the wide streets and tall buildings. Then a rare sight over distinct colored lagoons finishing with accomodation in an aristocratic convent.
Overnight in Vila Viçosa.
Day 7: The Marble Route – cycling from Vila Viçosa to Estremoz (22 miles/35 km)
Today the ride is soft so take this opportunity to taste some local delicacies: Petiscos or snacks (not included).
From tavern to tavern the ride will delight your senses. The rest of the day will be spent in contemplation and admiration until the doors of Estremoz, the final destination of the journey. The journey will not be over until you climb up to the marble Donjon tower of the castle where you will sleep!
Overnight in Estremoz.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, depart individually to your connecting travels.
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